Have to thank MBC for this poignant scene from the historical drama, Dong Yi, in which the heroine finds herself lost among ordinary Koreans releasing lanterns bearing their wishes for the new year. Known in China as "sky lanterns", they apparently originated during the turbulent days of the Three Kingdoms when a besieged group was forced to send messages for additional troops by way of these wind-borne lanterns.
The tradition of expressing one's wishes for the New Year presumably made its way to Korea from China. What I'd like to know is if this charming practice is observed anywhere in Korea these days. I have my doubts given the predominance of high-wire cables and considerations for aviation and high building safety and ecological considerations, despite the assurances of one Chinese manufacturer that the lanterns are made of flame-retardant paper, that its flight altitude is only within 800-1000 meters and that its "burning time" is just between 12 and 15 minutes.
Anyway, here's wishing everyone a Happy 2012 and may your hopes keep afloat indefinitely.
sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDLIOiafkPE
http://www.ec21.com/offer_detail/Sell_Sky_Lantern_Oval_Shape--12755845.html
I'm teaching in a little town in Gangwon-do. Last night there was a big New Year's celebration at the soldiers' temple in town, and they sent a bunch of sky lanterns up. I was thrilled. (Found this blog post while searching for information about them.)
ReplyDeleteDear Anon.,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing this. Am glad to know such charming practices are still alive. Wish I could've been there to see the lovely sight.
I'm a bit puzzled by the phrase "soldiers' temple" - could you elaborate?
Wishing you a Happy 2012!
Hi… good day to you,
ReplyDeleteI google the internet and found your blog regarding Baikal Teal Dance Migration.
http://ajummasjournal.blogspot.com/2010/12/wishful-thinking.html
Firstly - I've taken one of your photo - of the above and upload it into my blog.
http://miloaiskurangmanis.blogspot.com/2012/01/and-what-about-stress-you-give-to.html
I am sorry - for taking it first and inform you later about it.
I hope you are not mad with me.
rgds.
Dear miloais milo,
ReplyDeleteYour good manners make me ashamed of myself. I took the photos from another website but didn't ask permission. Just put the sources at the end of the posting.
Have a good 2012!
ajumma
Great post! Thanks for sharing. Last year there was a korean drama called "Dr. Champ", and there were several scenes where they actually celebrating with lanterns too. (Mostly 1rst and last episode).
ReplyDeleteDear DIRR,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the heads-up on Dr Champ. Will keep a look-out for it and for the lanterns in particular!
Cheers,
ajumma